WHAT’S NEXT? SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND! (construction aerials)

SHANGHAI (April 8, 2011) – Today The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group, its joint venture partners in China, marked the official start of construction of the new Shanghai Disney Resort at a groundbreaking ceremony.

Slated to open in approximately 5 years, the Shanghai Disney Resort will be home to Shanghai Disneyland, a Magic Kingdom-style park that will blend classic Disney storytelling and characters with all-new attractions and experiences designed with authentic cultural touches just for the people of China.

The first phase of the resort will include Shanghai Disneyland, two hotels, a large retail, dining and entertainment venue, recreational facilities, a lake and associated parking and transportation hubs. In Disney tradition, it will feature several themed lands complete with many exciting, iconic Disney attractions and experiences.

On Opening Day, the Shanghai Disney Resort will be located on a 963 acre (3.9 square kilometers) site in Pudong, Shanghai.

This is Disney’s second venture into China. In September 2005, Disney opened its doors to its first theme park in China, Hong Kong Disneyland.